Sunday, October 10, 2010

October 2010, back from Sabbatical

So, after 9 months 'off', I'm back. Now, when I say "off" I mean just from customer contact really. Can a baker or artist really take time off? I don't think so.

Taking time 'off' is pretty interesting. You actually have the choice of what you want to do during that time. I chose to write, although that's not apparent in my blog! I almost forgot about the blog.

You think you're going to have all this time alone or off or doing the things you've always wanted to do. But is that what happens? Not really. I guess you have the choice to go that route, but I need projects. I need things to do. Sitting at home waiting for the kids to get back from school or sitting around waiting to be needed isn't my thing. I need something to do and I sure don't like cleaning...so what does that leave? Creativity, lol

The art doesn't leave your head. Because of this and the need for a project, I took time to work on a long awaited project. Something I've been wanting to do for the last 2-3 years. I spent the better part of the first 6 months writing a cookbook called "The Top Shelf Baker-Sweet Treats from a Well-Stocked Bar" while gaining a ton of weight, ha ha ha. Allergies popped up fiercely which then allowed me to lose the weight that I had gained during the testing phase of the book.

For those of you who follow me on Facebook, you probably already know all this.

I've also been travelling a lot for teaching. In my travels, I've met so many wonderful people while getting to share cake decorating! How cool is that? Is that not the best job ever??? From Virginia to Georgia to San Diego to Vegas and soon to Arkansas...Way too cool!

Finally also got to meet some of the people I've fallen in love with through the internet. People like Debbie Goard from Debbie Does Cake. Debbie Does Do Cake alright!

Anyway, enough rambling.

Hopefully thoughout the rest of the year I'll remember to take photos of some step by steps and baking prototypes to share with you. This week it's caramelized cocoa nib cupcakes. The experiments have been pretty interesting, lol...